Monday, February 2, 2009

Ride's Final Journey . . . .

Today’s blog entry is indeed a sad one for me to write. Last Friday, our dear greyhound Ride, took her final journey . . . . this time to the Rainbow Bridge.

Since my most recent post last Thursday, Ride’s health situation continued to worsen. The veterinarian had taken a biopsy of a presumed mammary tumor on Wednesday, and we were awaiting the results of this biopsy before she did any surgery . . . .Lee and I were leaning toward surgery to excise the tumor, at least to give Ride some pain relief, even though we hadn't quite decided whether or not we wanted to pursue chemotherapy.

And in the meantime, the vet prescribed an antibiotic (in the remote possibility that it might be an abscess), as well as anti-inflammatory and pain medication.

Over the next two days while we waited to hear on the biopsy, Ride clearly wasn't feeling better, despite the medications. By midday Friday, she hardly wanted to move, and was refusing all food, even her long time favorite “people” foods.

The vet called us early Friday afternoon to tell us that the biopsy results had come in, and that they showed lymphoma, a cancer of a certain type of white blood cells. Even she was surprised by the biopsy results.

Lee and I were told that chemotherapy was an option, but that it would require a weekly treatment for Ride over the course of 21 weeks, and there was, of course, no guarantee that it would be successful, particularly since Ride was already so sick.

After much soul-searching, Lee and I decided that it was time to let Ride go. We took her in to the clinic late Friday afternoon and were able to spend some quality time with her before she passed away. She died the day before my birthday, 6 weeks shy of 13 years of age.

We have lost five beloved canine pets over the past 25+ years, and it’s always a difficult experience.

Each and every dog, of course, is special in their own way, and our little Emotional Ride (her ex-racing name) was no exception.

Ride was a part of our family for 10 years, and she and I had grown especially close over the past 7 years, after I retired from my day job.

Lee and I like to think that Ride is now pain-free and enjoying the company of her other greyhound siblings and housemates who went to the Rainbow Bridge before her.

Thank you ALL for caring enough to read this, my last tribute to our dear Ride.

And until we meet again . . . .

I’d like to share with you a beautifully done animated web version of The Rainbow Bridge.(You'll need to "Click to begin")

Many positive thoughts heading your way! My dog is just like a family member, and my constant companion.I found the Rainbow Bridge to very healing when I had to let my last dog go because of mammary cancer...it's a fantastic, healing site!

I know how important Ride was to you, Lee and Harley. I'm sure Harley isn't quite sure what do without his mate by his side. You and Lee have given much love to your ex-racing GH's. I know they have returned that love back, and they have truly enjoyed the time they have had with you two.!